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The islands in Hong Kong offer a refreshing escape from the city’s towering skyscrapers and buzzing shopping streets. Each island carries its own charm, shaped by fishing traditions, tranquil beaches, scenic hills, and peaceful communities where life moves slowly. Travelers can explore ancient temples, lively fish markets, hidden hiking trails, and coastal rock formations that feel worlds away from the mainland. With convenient ferry routes and seasonal activities, these islands allow you to experience Hong Kong’s blend of heritage, natural beauty, and seaside culture—perfect for a quick getaway or a full-day adventure.
10 Best Islands In Hong Kong
You can enjoy an incredible variety of islands in Hong Kong to visit, each with its own unique topography, cultural treasures, and coastal experience that will surely add depth to your travel experience.
1. Lantau Island
Photo: Typhoonchaser / Wikimedia Commons
Lantau Island provides the richest experience of natural scenery and cultural experiences in Hong Kong. Once you arrive on the island, the contrast from the density of an urban landscape to open landscapes with hills, beaches and fishing villages will draw your attention. You will find the Tian Tan Buddha at Ngong Ping, a 34-metre bronze statue, and walk the long stone steps, where you will be rewarded with sweeping views from across the South China Sea. Nearby, the Po Lin Monastery will surround you with its incense, colourful prayer halls and vegetarian dining rooted in tradition.
How To Reach: MTR to Tung Chung + Ngong Ping Cable Car or ferry from Central.
Average Cost: HKD 160 / ₹1,700
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Hong Kong For An Unforgettable Trip
2. Cheung Chau
Photo: Man77 / Wikimedia Commons
Cheung Chau is a small island that features cultural sites and beach-based amenities. It is historically significant since the Pak Tai Temple was built in the 18th century and has remained an important site of worship and celebration for local festivals. Cheung Chau also features the Cheung Po Tsai Cave, which is connected to the region’s maritime past along with pirate legends. Tung Wan Beach has a large section of sand that is ideal for swimming and watersports. The narrow lanes that extend through the island provide opportunities to cycle and walk to small shrines, seafood houses and street stalls with accessible provisions.
How To Reach: Ferry from Central Pier 5 (55 minutes).
Average Cost: HKD 15 – 40 / ₹160 – 430
3. Peng Chau
Photo: Geographer / Wikimedia Commons
Peng Chau is a small island to the west of Hong Kong Island that is quiet and small but features a number of notable cultural and natural aspects. The island’s largest religious structure is the Tin Hau Temple to the goddess of the sea, which is relevant to the community’s local traditions. Finger Hill is also a prominent feature of the island because it is the highest elevation on the island and provides a clear line of sight across Victoria Harbour and nearby islands after a short climb. Walking trails along the coastline connect secluded coves and sandy spaces with viewpoints of the South China Sea.
How To Reach: Ferry from Central Pier 6 (30 minutes).
Average Cost: HKD 15 – 30 / ₹160 – 320
Suggested Read: The Essential Hong Kong Travel Guide
4. Lamma Island
Photo: Dinkun Chen / Wikimedia Commons
Lamma Island is one of the larger outlying islands in Hong Kong, and it contains a good mix of coastal scenery and village life. The island has no cars; therefore, it is a quiet place for walking. The main route is the Family Trail, linking Yung Shue Wan and Sok Kwu Wan. The Family Trail takes you through hills, beaches, and small farming areas, and you can watch fishing boats along the shore. Yung Shue Wan is the more bustling side with cafés, seafood restaurants and small shops. Sok Kwu Wan has a long row of seafood shops, which are situated on wooden platforms just over the water.
How To Reach: Ferry from Central Pier 4 to Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan (25–40 minutes).
Average Cost: HKD 17 – 30 / ₹180 – 320
5. Ap Lei Chau
Photo: Ceeseven / Wikimedia Commons
Ap Lei Chau is a rather small island which is very populated and sits on the southern side of Hong Kong Island. The island is connected by a bridge to Aberdeen, making it easy and frequent to access. The island is primarily residential, but there are a number of places of cultural and local interest to visit. Hung Shing Temple was constructed in the 18th century and embodies the community’s long history of maritime tradition. The typhoon shelter, which sits between Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen, is still operating, with fishing boats clustered along the waterfront and many seafood restaurants offering fresh seafood nearby.
How To Reach: MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung or bus from Aberdeen.
Average Cost: HKD 3 – 6 / ₹30 – 60
Suggested Read: Explore The Top 15 Places To Visit Near China
6. Sharp Island
Photo: Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock
Sharp Island, or Kiu Tsui Chau, is a part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark and is known for its volcanic landscape. The island has distinctive rock formations, most notably the “pineapple bun rocks”, which have cracking from natural weathering that looks similar to the surface of a traditional pastry. The natural tombolo connecting Sharp Island to the smaller Kiu Tau islet is another highlight. At low tide, the land bridge provides a peculiar opportunity to walk across a sea channel. The beaches, Hap Mun Bay and Kiu Tsui Beach, have clear waters and clean sand, making them a popular choice for swimming and pursuing coastal recreation.
How To Reach: Ferry (kaido) from Sai Kung Pier (15 minutes).
Average Cost: HKD 20 – 40 / ₹215 – 430
7. Po Toi Island
Photo: Huangdan2060 / Wikimedia Commons
Po Toi Island, the southernmost inhabited island of Hong Kong, is commonly referred to as a place created by wind and waves. Its coast is characterised by interesting granite features like the “Buddha’s Palm Cliff” or “Tortoise Rock,” both of which have become natural landmarks. The island also contains prehistoric rock engravings that depict early human presence and have been designated monuments. There are small paths across rugged land, offering views of the South China Sea and an isolation different from that of other, more populous islands. There is a small active village, with few houses built on the shore and local seafood served plainly outdoors.
How To Reach: Ferry from Aberdeen or Stanley on weekends/public holidays.
Average Cost: HKD 45 – 90 / ₹480 – 950
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In China That Needs To Be In On Your List
8. Tung Ping Chau
Tung Ping Chau is situated in the northeastern waters of Hong Kong and is characterised by its layers of sedimentary rocks. In contrast to most of the other islands in Hong Kong within the volcanic territory, Tung Ping Chau is made entirely of fine siltstone and shale, which creates striking cliffs and wave-cut platforms. The coastline exposes the layers of rock in sharp horizontal planes amidst features that expose millions of years of geological history. The island has several beaches with calm and shallow waters, thus making it ideal for swimming and studying marine habitats. Tung Ping Chau is designated as a marine park and is home to a range of coral species and coastal habitats.
How To Reach: Ferry from Ma Liu Shui Pier (2 hours, weekends/public holidays).
Average Cost: HKD 90 – 100 / ₹950 – 1,060
9. Kat O
Photo: Ngchikit / Wikimedia Commons
Kat O, often referred to as Crooked Island, is near the northeastern boundary of Hong Kong and was originally settled by the Hakka community. The main village and its traditional houses, ancestral halls, or temples, reflect the heritage of the area. The Tin Hau Temple, revered by fishermen, remains one of the key landmarks in this community. The coast hugs the coastline of bays and headlands with walking paths leading to various viewing points across Mirs Bay and toward Shenzhen. There are remnants of farming terraces and old village buildings scattered across the island.
How To Reach: Ferry from Ma Liu Shui Pier (1.5 hours, weekends/public holidays).
Average Cost: HKD 50 – 80 / ₹530 – 850
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Hong Kong
10. Tap Mun
Photo: Windmemories / Wikimedia Commons
Tap Mun, otherwise known as Grass Island, is located in the northeast waters of Hong Kong and features open fields of grass and beautiful coastal ecology. The island has a small fishing community as well as some historical temples, including the Tin Hau Temple by the main pier. The island has stone-paved paths across the island that connect the village to hills and a couple of natural lookouts. One of the more prominent features of the island is the open grassland on the higher ground, where grazing cattle give the island its name. From the hills, there are wide views of the surrounding sea and islands to take in.
How To Reach: Ferry from Wong Shek Pier or Ma Liu Shui Pier.
Average Cost: HKD 40 – 70 / ₹430 – 750
The islands in Hong Kong present a refreshing contrast to the bustling urban cityscape. Each island unveils a unique side of Hong Kong, from traditional fishing villages and floating houses to sacred temples, striking rock formations, and serene beaches. Whether you seek cultural exploration or natural beauty, these islands provide the perfect getaway. With TripXL, plan your next trip and uncover the charm and diversity of Hong Kong’s captivating islands.
Cover Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas / Wikimedia Commons
